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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Hal and Madge symbolize to Rosemary?

2. Who does Flo tell Madge to ride with to the picnic?

3. Who is the owner of one of the homes where the action takes place?

4. What do Rosemary and Flo talk about regarding Helen?

5. Of whom does Flo strongly disapprove?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which two characters appear first in Act 3, Scene 1?

2. How do Flo's real feelings about Hal become evident?

3. Alan had indicated to Madge that he had "taken care of" Hal. What does Madge learn that that means?

4. How does the author use the technique of foreshadowing in Act 2?

5. Describe Alan's ineffective response when he sees Hal with Madge.

6. What is Hal's demeanor when he returns to the Owens household?

7. What is the climax of the play which occurs in Act 2?

8. Explain how Millie and Madge have exchanged roles in Act 2.

9. Who is Hal and how is he introduced in the scene?

10. What time of day is it when Act 3, Scene 1 begins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting for the play. Why does Inge use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the play's title. What did the author mean by calling the play PICNIC when there is no scene actually set at a picnic? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

PICNIC is a classic story of metamorphosis and empowerment. What does that classification entail? Why does this play fit into this category? Explain.

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